Australian watchdog files legal action against Telegram, saying it failed to remove violent content
Summary
Australia’s online safety watchdog has taken legal action against the messaging app Telegram, accusing it of not removing extremist content linked to deadly attacks in Buffalo and Christchurch. Telegram faces a fine of up to 54.6 million Australian dollars if the court finds it failed to block pro-terror materials on its platform.Key Facts
- Australia’s eSafety Commissioner filed a lawsuit accusing Telegram of hosting violent extremist content.
- The content includes videos from the 2022 Buffalo mass shooting and the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks.
- Telegram has about 1 billion users worldwide and is based in the United Arab Emirates.
- The lawsuit tests Australia’s 2021 law that requires tech platforms to remove illegal and terrorist materials.
- Telegram denies the allegations and plans to fight the case in court.
- Channels on Telegram can have unlimited size, which the watchdog says increases the spread of harmful content.
- Telegram states it blocks over 150,000 terrorist-related groups each year as part of its anti-terror efforts.
- The case focuses on Telegram’s responsibility to stop the spread of extremist videos and messages on its platform.
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